How to Update Your Security System Firmware (2026 Guide)

Last updated August 2026

How to Update Your Security System Firmware

Your security system’s firmware is the embedded software that controls every function — from how sensors communicate with the base station to how video is encrypted and transmitted to the cloud. Like any software, firmware contains bugs, security vulnerabilities, and opportunities for improvement. When manufacturers discover issues or add features, they release firmware updates. Failing to install these updates leaves your system exposed to known security flaws and missing out on new capabilities.

In this guide, we explain why firmware updates are critical for your security, how often they are released, how to update every major security system brand, and what to do when updates fail. We also cover best practices for enabling automatic updates and maintaining a secure, up-to-date system with minimal effort.

Why Firmware Updates Matter

Firmware updates serve three critical functions for your security system:

Security Patches

This is the most important reason to keep firmware current. Security researchers and manufacturers regularly discover vulnerabilities in embedded software — flaws that could allow hackers to intercept your video feeds, disable your sensors, or access your home network through the security system’s connection. When these vulnerabilities are discovered, manufacturers release patches in firmware updates. Every day you delay installing an update is a day your system is vulnerable to known exploits.

In recent years, security camera vulnerabilities have made headlines — researchers found flaws allowing remote access to camera feeds, unauthorized administrative control, and even using compromised cameras as entry points to home networks. Firmware patches close these holes.

New Features

Manufacturers use firmware updates to add new capabilities to existing hardware. Your camera might gain person detection, package detection, or enhanced night vision through a firmware update. Your base station might add support for new sensor types, improved automation rules, or integration with new smart home platforms. These updates extend the value of your investment without requiring new hardware purchases.

Bug Fixes

Firmware updates resolve performance issues: sensors that intermittently drop offline, cameras that freeze, app connectivity problems, and false alarm triggers caused by software glitches. If you are experiencing unexplained issues with your system, a pending firmware update may be the solution.

How to Update by Brand

Each security brand handles firmware updates differently. Here is how to manage updates for every major system:

SimpliSafe: Automatic + Manual

SimpliSafe pushes firmware updates automatically to the base station and most sensors. Updates typically occur during the early morning hours when the system is disarmed. You do not need to take any action for most updates. However, you can manually check for updates through the app:

Open the SimpliSafe app and tap “My System”
Select “Base Station Settings”
Tap “Check for Updates” if available
Follow prompts to install any pending updates

SimpliSafe typically releases firmware updates every 2-3 months. The base station will briefly go offline during installation (usually 2-5 minutes). Sensors update automatically in the background.

Ring Alarm: Automatic Over-the-Air (OTA)

Ring handles all firmware updates automatically via OTA (over-the-air) updates. Your Ring Alarm base station and all connected devices receive updates without any user intervention. Updates usually happen between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. local time.

To check your current firmware version:

Open the Ring app
Tap the menu and select “Devices”
Select your Ring Alarm Base Station
Tap “Device Health” to view firmware version

Ring typically releases updates every 1-2 months. Ring also updates video doorbells and cameras separately through the same automatic OTA system. There is no manual update option — if you want to force an update, contact Ring support.

ADT: Professionally Managed

ADT systems are professionally managed, meaning firmware updates are handled by ADT technicians. For traditional hardwired ADT systems, a technician may need to visit your home for major panel updates. For newer ADT systems (ADT Command and Control), updates can be pushed remotely by ADT’s technical team.

You generally cannot manually update ADT firmware. If you are experiencing issues or want to ensure you have the latest firmware, contact ADT customer support at 1-800-ADT-ASAP and request a firmware check. ADT typically pushes updates quarterly for monitored accounts.

Vivint: Professionally Managed

Like ADT, Vivint systems are professionally managed. Vivint’s SkyControl and Smart Hub panels receive firmware updates pushed remotely by Vivint technicians. Updates typically occur overnight and require no action from you.

If you want to verify your firmware version or request an update:

On your Vivint panel, go to Settings > System Information
Note the firmware version number
Contact Vivint support to compare against the latest release

Vivint generally pushes updates every 2-3 months. Major updates that change the user interface may be scheduled with you in advance.

Cove: Automatic Updates

Cove systems receive firmware updates automatically. The Cove panel checks for updates periodically and installs them during low-activity periods. Most users never need to manually intervene.

To check for updates manually:

On your Cove panel, go to Settings > System Settings
Select “System Information”
Tap “Check for Updates” if the option is available

Cove releases updates every 2-4 months, focusing primarily on security patches and stability improvements.

Abode: Manual Updates via App

Abode takes a more manual approach to firmware updates. While the Abode gateway checks for updates automatically, you typically need to approve and initiate installation through the app:

Open the Abode app
Go to Settings > System Settings
Select “Firmware Update” if available
Follow the prompts to download and install

Abode releases updates every 3-6 months. The manual approval approach gives you control over timing but requires you to actively check for updates.

Eufy: App-Based Updates

Eufy devices (cameras, sensors, HomeBase) receive firmware updates through the Eufy Security app:

Open the Eufy Security app
Go to the Device tab
Tap the gear icon for a specific device
Select “About Device” > “Check for Firmware Update”
Tap “Update” if a new version is available

Eufy typically releases firmware updates every 1-2 months, often adding AI detection improvements and security patches. The HomeBase updates automatically, but cameras and sensors require manual initiation through the app.

Update Frequency by Brand

Here is a summary of how often each brand typically releases firmware updates:

Ring: Every 1-2 months (most frequent)
Eufy: Every 1-2 months
SimpliSafe: Every 2-3 months
Vivint: Every 2-3 months
Cove: Every 2-4 months
ADT: Quarterly (every 3 months)
Abode: Every 3-6 months (least frequent)

More frequent updates generally indicate active development and rapid security patching. However, the number of updates matters less than the content of those updates — a brand that releases monthly patches for discovered vulnerabilities is more security-conscious than one that releases biannual updates with only minor changes.

What to Do If a Firmware Update Fails

Firmware updates occasionally fail. Here is how to handle common problems:

Update Stuck or Frozen

If an update appears frozen (no progress for 30+ minutes):

Do not power off the device — interrupting a firmware update can brick it
Wait at least 1 hour before taking any action
If still frozen, contact the manufacturer’s support line for guidance
Only power cycle if explicitly instructed by support

Device Won’t Reconnect After Update

If a device goes offline after a firmware update:

Power cycle the device (unplug for 30 seconds, then reconnect)
For battery devices, remove and reinsert the battery
Check your WiFi network is functioning normally
Use the app’s “Reconnect” or “Re-pair” function if available

Update Loop (Device Keeps Trying to Update)

If your device repeatedly attempts the same update:

Ensure stable power and internet during the update process
Temporarily move the device closer to your WiFi router
For base stations, connect via Ethernet cable during the update
Contact support if the loop persists after 3 attempts

General Troubleshooting

Ensure your app is updated to the latest version
Verify your home internet is stable during the update
Do not arm the system during a firmware update
Keep devices plugged into power during updates (battery-only devices should be >50% charged)

Enabling Automatic Updates

Whenever possible, enable automatic firmware updates. Manually tracking and installing updates is tedious and easy to forget — and every missed update is a potential security vulnerability.

Fully Automatic (No Action Required)

Ring Alarm: Always automatic; no settings to configure
ADT: Professionally managed; automatic for all customers
Vivint: Professionally managed; automatic for all customers

Automatic with Notification

SimpliSafe: Updates automatically but may notify you after installation
Cove: Updates automatically with post-update notifications

Manual Approval Required

Abode: Check “Enable Auto-Update” in System Settings if available
Eufy: Enable “Auto Update” in each device’s settings individually

For manual-update systems, set a monthly calendar reminder to check for firmware updates. Treat it like changing your smoke detector batteries — a small habit that can prevent major problems.

Best Practices for Firmware Security

Beyond installing updates promptly, follow these practices to maintain firmware security:

Check Firmware Version Regularly

Once a month, verify your system’s firmware version against the manufacturer’s support website or app. If your version is more than 3 months behind the latest release, contact support to request an update.

Secure Your Network

Firmware updates are delivered over your home internet. Secure your WiFi with WPA3 encryption (or WPA2 at minimum), use a strong password, and enable your router’s firewall. A compromised home network could allow attackers to intercept or tamper with firmware downloads.

Buy from Reputable Manufacturers

No-name security cameras and systems often never receive firmware updates. Major brands have dedicated security teams that monitor for vulnerabilities and release patches. The money you save on a cheap system may cost you dearly in security exposure.

Replace Unsupported Devices

If a manufacturer discontinues support for a device (stops releasing firmware updates), consider replacing it. Unsupported devices accumulate unpatched vulnerabilities over time and become increasingly attractive targets for attackers.

Frequently asked questions

How do I update my SimpliSafe firmware?

SimpliSafe updates firmware automatically in the early morning hours when the system is disarmed. Most updates require no user action. You can manually check for updates in the app under My System > Base Station Settings > Check for Updates. Updates typically occur every 2-3 months.

Does Ring Alarm update firmware automatically?

Yes, Ring Alarm pushes all firmware updates automatically over-the-air (OTA) between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. local time. There is no manual update option. You can check your current firmware version in the Ring app under Devices > Alarm Base Station > Device Health.

Why are firmware updates important for security systems?

Firmware updates patch security vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit to access your cameras, disable sensors, or breach your home network. They also add new features and fix bugs that affect system performance. Failing to install updates leaves your system exposed to known security flaws.

How often should I check for firmware updates?

For automatic-update systems (Ring, SimpliSafe, ADT, Vivint), check your firmware version monthly to confirm updates are installing. For manual-update systems (Abode, Eufy), check every 2-4 weeks and install updates promptly when available.

What should I do if a firmware update fails?

Do not power off the device during a frozen update — wait at least 1 hour. If the device won't reconnect after updating, power cycle it (unplug for 30 seconds). Ensure stable internet during updates. If problems persist, contact the manufacturer's support line for guidance.